Hypertension and Cardiovascular Diseases among Electronic and Combustible Cigarette Users

Introduction. Combustible cigarette use is associated with an increased risk of several cardiovascular diseases; however, less is known about associations between these cardiovascular conditions and electronic cigarette use. Methods. This study investigated relationships between electronic and/or combustible cigarette use and diagnoses of cardiovascular diseases using the National Health Interview Survey from 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2018. Results. Compared to non-users, dual users of electronic and combustible cigarettes had increased likelihood of having prior diagnoses of hypertension (OR 1.660, 95% CI=1.519-1.814), stroke (OR 2.396, 95% CI=2.011-2.855), diabetes mellitus (OR 1.219, 95% CI=1.108-1.341), coronary artery disease (OR 2.211, 95% CI=1.837-2.660), and myocardial infarction (OR 3.839, 95% CI=3.232-4.560). Exclusive use of electronic cigarettes was associated with an increased likelihood of having hypertension compared to non-users (OR 1.244, 95% CI=1.048-1.477). Conclusions. There was no difference in diagnoses of stroke, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, nor myocardial infarction among exclusive electronic cigarette users compared to non-users; however, these associations could change as young electronic cigarette users with hypertension age, indicating the need for continued research